Pune: PCMC Issues Safety Advisory To Hoarding Owners Ahead Of Palkhi Processions
Pune: PCMC Issues Safety Advisory To Hoarding Owners Ahead Of Palkhi Processions
Pune, June 19, 2025 — With the arrival of the revered Sant Tukaram Maharaj and Sant Dnyaneshwar Maharaj Palkhi processions on June 19 and 20, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has issued a comprehensive safety advisory to all hoarding agencies operating within its jurisdiction. The directive is aimed at ensuring structural safety and preventing any mishaps during the massive annual footfall of Warkaris.
A total of 1,494 hoarding agencies have received official notices, particularly those with billboards installed along the key procession routes—Nigdi to Dapodi, Dehu to Alandi, and Charholi Phata to Bopkhel. The civic body has instructed agencies to immediately inspect the structural integrity of all hoardings and implement any necessary reinforcements.
“All hoarding structures currently have valid permissions and structural stability certificates,” confirmed Rajesh Agale, Deputy Commissioner of PCMC’s Sky Sign and Licensing Department. “However, as an added precaution, we’ve asked all agencies to re-verify the condition of their hoardings. If any incident occurs, the responsible agency will be held accountable.”
According to a recent inspection report:
- 71 hoardings were verified over an 11-km stretch from Bhakti Shakti Chowk to Dapodi.
- 64 hoardings were found along a 12-km route from Charholi Phata to Bopkhel Corner.
- 80 hoardings are positioned across a 15-km stretch on the Dehu–Alandi route.
All hoardings inspected were reported to be authorised, and none exceeded the maximum size of 40×20 feet. No illegal installations were identified during the checks. Nonetheless, PCMC has warned that any safety violations will be addressed swiftly.
In parallel, other civic departments including disaster management, traffic, and sanitation are also coordinating efforts to ensure the safety and convenience of lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the spiritual pilgrimage.
“The Palkhi procession is not just a cultural event; it’s a deeply spiritual journey for many. Ensuring the safety of devotees is a shared responsibility,” said PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh, urging complete cooperation from all stakeholders, especially hoarding agencies, in maintaining the highest safety standards.
